• Kiwis bench Somerville, pick Young

    The uncapped Will Young has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka later this year.

    Batsman Young impressed for New Zealand A against India A earlier this month. Spinner William Somerville and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell have been omitted, with the out-of-form Tom Latham retained.

    ‘Selector Gavin Larsen just pulled me aside and said I made the Test squad, the 13-man Test squad. Look, I’m over the moon. It’s a dream come true to be part of the Test squad. But yeah, nothing changes. Keep enjoying my cricket. Keep batting and hopefully the chance comes in the near future,’ said Young.

    The Black Caps recently recorded a historic Test series victory over Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, where spinner Ajaz Patel starred with 13 wickets in three matches.

    ‘There’s a real swell of support for the Test team following their efforts in the UAE, so we’re hoping to transition that momentum into a big home summer,’ added Larsen.

    ‘Ajaz certainly grabbed his opportunity on the UAE tour and he’s a proven performer in New Zealand conditions.

    ‘Somerville was an obvious stand-out on debut in the Abu Dhabi decider and it’s great to know we’ve got quality spin bowlers who can create competition for places.’

    Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, BJ Watling (wicketkeeper), Will Young, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Ajaz Patel, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner.

    Photo: Getty

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